July 2015 Archives

When Wisconsin employees witness wrongdoing in their workplace that defrauds the federal government, they may feel powerless to do anything about it. But U.S. law dictates this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whistleblowers in this situation, called qui tam whistleblowers, are protected by a law passed in 1863.

Millions of people across Wisconsin and the rest of the U.S. depend on their social security disability check every month as their sole income, or at least the majority of it. This kind of social welfare has been a staple in America since it was introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt, and it has faced its share of opposition. But, if nothing is done soon, the 11 million people who rely on the program could lose about 20 percent of their benefits.

The latest state budget includes a surprise for potential whistle-blowers who would seek to report Medicaid fraud under the auspices of the Wisconsin False Claims for Medical Assistance Act: the act has been repealed.

Upon being hired and throughout one's time as an employee with a company, he or she may be required to complete various training courses. Often, topics related to business ethics and applicable company policies are included in these training materials and sessions.

As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, all Americans deserve and are entitled to a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. U.S. labor laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act help ensure that U.S. workers earn at least minimum wage and are compensated for overtime hours. Additionally, several other laws help protect the rights of workers with regard to pay, time off and other benefits. However, in order to reap the benefits of most of these employment and labor laws, a worker must be designated as a full or part-time employee.

On behalf of Alan C. Olson & Associates posted in Employment Law on Thursday, July 16, 2015.

A workplace is to be a place where you can get your work done in relative peace, without facing harassment or abuse from your coworkers. Yet, so many Wisconsin workers deal with verbal abuse constantly, violating their employees’ rights. While this may be becoming more common, you do not have to tolerate it.

Disability comes in many different forms, and it is the duty of employers to both avoid discrimination and provide reasonable accommodation. OHM Concessions Group, LLC and their subsidiary, coffee chain Dunkin’ Donuts, are being sued for forgetting these responsibilities laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Long-term disability insurance is highly beneficial for workers throughout Wisconsin who find themselves unable to work. Generally, your claim will fall under one of two categories: Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income Program. There are different benefits and criteria for each, but both can help Wisconsin residents who are unable to work full time.

The United States government has specific extended leave statutes in place, called the Family and Medical Leave Act, to protect workers across the nation. State laws cannot detract from this legislation, but they can provide additional benefits. If a state or federal law is weaker than the other, the stronger one must be followed. Wisconsin has its own laws that provide leave in a number of circumstances for employees across the state.

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